Bee Wilson’s history of the fork—and other kitchen appurtenances—shows us that we are how we eat as well as what we eat. Culinary tools have reflected cultural dispositions in surprising ways, and continue to do so to this very day.

Jennifer Hewett is the national affairs columnist for the Australian Financial Review and is based in Sydney, Australia. She has yet to master all her kitchen implements and has been known to occasionally hurl a wooden spoon.